A new life cycle assessment published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology finds that replacing the entire U.S. light-duty fleet with electric vehicles could cut life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 61% compared to keeping internal combustion engine vehicles. The study calculates a carbon handprint for lithium-ion batteries: each kWh of battery capacity can avoid 0.3 to 0.6 tons of CO2e, and each kilogram of lithium extracted can avoid 5 to 12 tons of CO2e, rising to about 20 tons with high recycling rates. However, the shift to EVs increases metal extraction by 117% and critical mineral extraction by 179%, mainly for battery production. Mining also raises acidification, particulate matter, and smog impacts. The authors stress that recycling, longer battery life, and responsible mining practices are essential to maximize climate benefits without shifting environmental burdens. Policy should focus on building recycling infrastructure and improving supply chain management.
